Do you know what happens when someone dies on a cargo vessel?

Parties to the MLC 2006 should give due consideration to participating in international cooperation in assisting with medical care. This includes arranging for the repatriation of the bodies or ashes of deceased seafarers, in accordance with the wishes of their next of kin and as soon as practicable.

The ship’s master is responsible for notifying the shipping company, the P&I Club, the nearest maritime rescue coordination center (MRCC) or coast guard, the Flag State, and the next Port of Call. If there is suspicion of criminal activity, the police or investigative agencies at the next port must be informed.

Details of the incident should be provided such as the date, time, and location of the incident, as well as any circumstances surrounding it. Furthermore, an entry is made in the official logbook, recording the death and any pertinent information.

Following the incident, the shipping company contacts the deceased’s family to inform them of the death and assist with repatriation and funeral arrangements.

Cause of death

If the vessel is still several days or weeks away from reaching a port, proper procedures must be followed to ensure respectful handling and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) has issued a guide with practical steps which can be taken in the unfortunate instance of a death on board a ship. The Organization advises the following:

• It is important to try to establish the reasons for death. Causes of death can be ascribed to two main groups: natural causes such as illnesses/injuries, which may be accidental or non-accidental.
• If the person has been ill on board, records of the nature and progress of illness and of the treatment given will have been made. These records should be carefully preserved in case any further enquiries are necessary. Additionally, all telemedicine consultations must be recorded.
• Similarly, in case of injuries, the circumstances of the incident which led to injury or injuries should be investigated and recorded. The notes made of the investigations, together with the medical records, should be carefully preserved.
• It must always be remembered that medico-legal enquiries will subsequently be necessary even when there are, at the time, no apparent criminal or suspicious circumstances surrounding a death.

Personal safety precautions

• Avoid direct contact with blood or body fluids.
• Maintain strict personal hygiene and use PPE (gloves, apron, surgical mask, goggles/face shield).
• Cover any wounds with waterproof dressings.
• Remove PPE after handling and wash hands immediately.

Preparing the deceased

• Take photographs for investigation, keeping them confidential.
• Remove clothing without tearing it. Document and list items found.
• Preserve personal belongings and documents in plastic bags, labeling them for authorities.
• All observations should be countersigned and recorded in the logbook.

Suspected suicide

When suicide is suspected, additional documentation is critical:

• Include any expressions of intent or reasons given.
• Retain suicide notes as key evidence.
• Obtain statements from crew members with relevant information.
• Record any interventions and telemedicine consultations.
• Take contemporaneous and accurate photographs of the scene.

Body positioning

• Lay the deceased on their back with arms at their sides.
• Support the head with a pillow and close the eyes by applying light pressure.
• Clean the mouth and plug orifices to prevent fluid leakage.
• Replace dentures; if not possible, store them securely.
• Secure remaining rings with minimal tape, respecting religious ornaments.
• Attach a name band (minimum: name, date of birth, address).

Body removal

• Wrap the body in a bed sheet or robust, leak-proof plastic bag (minimum 150 cm thick, zipped closed).
• If soiled with fluids, use a disposable plastic bag.
• Transport in an opaque body bag with carry handles and an identity label.

Body storage

Freezing dehydrates tissues, causing discoloration and freezer burn, which complicates identification. Rapid freezing can cause cranial fractures and post-mortem injuries. Furthermore, frozen bodies take three days to thaw, leading to faster decomposition. Instead, the body should be refrigerated with the following in mind:

• For storage under two months, refrigerate at ~4°C (39°F), but not below +2°C.
• Keep the body in a secure cold store, off the floor, with a visible identity label.

Providing mental health support to the rest of the crew

In the aftermath of a serious onboard incident resulting in injuries or fatalities, the psychological and emotional impact on the crew can be profound.

The trauma of witnessing or being part of such an event does not simply fade away once the initial shock subsides. The crew members may struggle with guilt, anxiety, or stress in the days and weeks that follow. Leaders should demonstrate empathy and foster a culture of trust and psychological safety, helping crew members feel supported.

However, empathy is not solely the responsibility of leaders, every crew member can contribute by looking out for their colleagues, offering a listening ear, and checking in regularly.

A simple act of kindness such as asking how someone is feeling, acknowledging their emotions, or providing reassurance can make a significant difference.